Realising the Dream
Travelog of RVW members Maggie Birchmore and Di Chawner
e-mail: di.mags@virgin.net

We arrived here on Tuesday 10th October after spending the night before sheltering from heavy rain, thunder and lightening. Tuesday though looked better and the skies began to clear. Fingers crossed that the luck we have had so far on our journey was to continue and let the sun shine.

Our drive into Albuquerque was along interstate 40. We decided to unhitch the car and drive separately as we really didn't know what the campground would be like and whether we would be paddling in mud. The drive turned out to be eventful as we nearly separated at the turn off onto Interstate 25. Arriving at the campground we were pleasantly surprised to see that it was gravel and in most parts fairly dry.

We were sent to our allocated spot after great discussion as to whether we could be classed as being with RVW in their allotted area as we had arrived early, some two days earlier than the group. Our site gave us a good view northwards and towards the launch field. We set ourselves into our 'dry camp' frame of mind and then went for a walk around.

The camping area is enormous with rows and rows set aside for vehicles. Hundreds of vehicles. Right in the middle of the campground is a landing area set aside for balloons. It transpires that this area used to be the launch field before the current one was established. Many other RV clubs are here, Winnebago, Escapees, Lazy Daze. Newmar and Adventure Caravans to name but a few. The weather stayed fine and we went over to the launch field to find out about our flight the next day.

Wednesday arrived and it is 4am. The sky is clear and we get up and set off over to the launch field some 80 acres. Dressed with numerous layers of clothes as it's only about 50 degrees we find Rainbow Ryders and check in for our flight. There are lots of people and balloons, balloon baskets and excited balloonists everywhere. We find our balloon and then watch as it is inflated, the heat from the burners is so welcome especially after they turned off the cold air fans which they use to inflate the balloon envelope. We climb into the basket and with a quick burst of hot air we are off. We are both so excited. We have both had balloon flights before but this time with so many others taking off as well at the same time it is awesome.

There is hardly any wind so we slowly, gracefully glide towards the south and over the campground. Looking very small is our motorhome. One amongst many. We gain height up to 500 feet and look back at the trail of hundreds of balloons behind us, alongside us, below us all around. What sight. The peaceful and tranquil effect is only broken by the roar of the burners and the dogs barking on the ground. The views over the city and to the surrounding countryside and to the east the Sandia mountains were magnificent. After about and hour and a half our pilot is looking for a landing site. He works out a suitable place and slowly we descend. All face the same way towards him and bend our knees ready for the landing. We do and he lands. It was so gentle we had to look over the side of the basket to check if we were on the ground. Everyone ok he says laughing as we are there bracing ourselves for the impact or at least the basket to topple. None of that. We climb out once the balloon envelope has been captured by the 'chasers' and help with the packing up. A short drive back to the Fiesta field followed by a glass of Champagne. What a day! One that we will always remember.

After two glasses of champagne we decided it would be prudent to have a breakfast burrito on sale in the vendors area. We went back to our motorhome and must admit to having a nap in the afternoon. Too much excitement and too early a morning.

Now it's Thursday and 5.30am we are back in the launch field for the Special Shapes Mass Ascension. The sun rises again and with beautiful blue skies the special shapes balloon take off. There are about 80 of them, everything from a stage coach to a 128 foot tall bunch of chilies! The sky fills with balloons as thousands of people look on amazed at the size and designs of these balloons. It is a wonderful sight. Once the balloons have gone there is plenty to eat and memorabilia to buy from the many vendors.

Just before we headed off back to the campground we spotted two ladies who we had seen a week ago on the Silverton to Durango Railway. They had been in our carriage. We went over and started chatting to them and couldn't really believe that in the mass of thousands of people we met! We talked about RVW and especially Cascadia Chapter and the great people we have met through the group. They are now thinking of joining. We left and back in our motor home it was time for a cup of tea.

By now some more RVW members have arrived and we chat to them about our experiences so far. There is a meeting and introductions. Everyone is longing to see the balloons.The evening Balloon Fiesta session comprised a 'Glowdeo' of special shapes. This is where they tether the shaped balloon and then fire the burners to light up the balloon in the dark. Again an amazing sight. What is good is that you can walk in between and close to the balloons whilst this is going on. The evening is rounded off by a spectacular firework display.